Sometimes, it’s the
selection of music.
Other times, it’s how
the music is presented.
The latter is the case
with pianist David
Arnay’s 8
(2013).

The tracks are numbered
– in more ways than one.
Each song is assigned to
an ensemble format,
solo, duo, trio, etc.,
with each title in
progression having one
more musician than the
previous number.

This is Arnay’s third
release as a leader. The
set begins with a solo
piano rendition of the
Duke Ellington classic,
“Caravan.” Arnay plays
the melody straight, but
does allow himself to
stretch out a bit during
the middle break. The
pianist is joined by
bassist Edwin Livingston
and drummer Peter
Erskine for the
delightful “Billville,”
one of six original
songs on this date.
Arnay carries the piece
with light
accompaniment. Doug Webb
brings the tenor sax
into the mix for the
sassy, swinging “Step
Four.” Webb enjoys a
spirited lead while
Arnay and the others lay
the foundation.

Other musicians who
contribute to 8
are percussionist
Munyungo Jackson,
guitarist Paco Loco,
trumpeter Dan Fornero
and trombonist Vikram
Devasthali. The various
ensembles pack quite a
punch, and they do so
efficiently. The entire
set is just 38 minutes.

“Credit my son, Miles
Ganon Arnay,” with the
concept, Arnay says.
“I’d been thinking about
putting together a trio
to record, but
brainstorming with
Miles, who works in the
music business on the
marketing side, he came
up with this approach
that really got me
excited about arranging
for a growing band of
instruments.”